UV bulk mail irradiation system

Abstract

The UV Bulk Mail Irradiation System consists of a chamber for disinfecting mail that has become contaminated by pathogens and spores such as Bacillius anthracis (anthrax bacteria) and Bacillius magaterium sp. (anthrax spores). Contaminated mail is placed in the chamber. Consideration for the characteristics of the chamber in which the contaminated mail has been place, the location of the C-band ultraviolet lights, the duration of the sterilization process allow effective elimination of this biohazard from the contaminated mail.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for destroying pathogens and spores such as Bacillius anthracis (anthrax bacteria) and Bacillius magaterium sp. (anthrax spores) in a chamber having a set of wall and a ceiling panel comprising mounting ultraviolet lights, located in parallel about a center point were mail pieces will be placed for disinfection.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wall/ceiling/floor surfaces are painted with aluminum or paneled with reflectant material.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein 18 fixtures, each containing 4 lamps putting out 13.8 watts of C-band ultraviolet light energy each, located 1 meter (39.3 inches) in parallel about a center were mail will be placed for disinfection.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein during the disinfection process, the average surface intensity will be at least 4690 μW/Cm 2 , sterilizing mail contaminated with anthrax spores within five (5) minutes or less.